Should I Give My Dog RO Water or Tap Water

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Dog owners constantly strive to provide the best care and nourishment for our beloved furry friends. When it comes to their hydration needs, a common question that often arises is whether it’s better to offer them reverse osmosis (RO) water or tap water. Water quality plays a crucial role in maintaining our dogs’ overall health, so it’s only natural to want to make an informed decision.

In this article, we will take a detailed look into both tap water and RO water, along with some useful reasons that will help you to make an informed decision regarding the right water for your dog’s needs.

Which Water is Good for Dogs – RO or Tap Water?

Reverse Osmosis (RO) is considered a better option for dogs as it is more tasty, healthy, ad safe as compared to tap water. On the other hand, tap water often contains impurities and contaminants that can be harmful to dogs.

Below, we have discussed the tap and the contaminants associated with it in complete detail.

What is Tap Water?

Water that is delivered via a tap or water dispenser valve is known as tap water. Tap water is often used as a major source of drinking water in many nations. It generally utilized for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and toilet flushing, tap water is frequently used.

However, the problem is that tap water is more likely to be contaminated all around the world. Although, its contaminant may vary depending on the region. Below, we have discussed some commonly found contaminants that can be harmful to dogs.

Tap Water Contaminants That Can Cause Dangers For Dogs:

Some of the probable chemical substances in tap water that could endanger your dog are those listed above.

1.      Lead:

Your dog may get severe stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting if exposed to high levels of lead. Your dog may develop seizures, exhaustion, low appetite, severe anxiety, blindness, and behavioral changes as a result of long-term exposure.

2.      E. Coli:

Though the majority of E. coli strains are not dangerous, a small number of harmful strains can injure dogs by impairing their ability to eat, causing low body temperatures, depression, elevated heart rates, diarrhea, vomiting, malaise/weakness, and lethargy.

3.      Fluoride:

Fluoride in excess is poisonous and can harm the kidneys. This can lead to weakness, drooling, severe illness, and diarrhea in dogs.

Although research has not yet been done to support this claim, there may be a connection between fluoride and canine cancer.

However the good news is that the fluoride levels in drinking water are extremely low and well below dangerous levels. This means, it is not too concerning, but still pet owners needs to avoid it.

4.      Chlorine:

The amount and length of time that your dog drinks chlorine will determine whether or not it is harmful.

However, if the chlorine level is within the limits defined by regulatory requirements, the water is generally safe. But it has been observed that chlorine’s disinfection byproducts, rather than chlorine itself, may make water toxic.

Despite abundant evidence showing how chlorine affects dogs, it is generally agreed that this should be avoided.

5.      Giardia:

A parasite that spreads through fecal waste spills into food, water, soil, and other surfaces. Both humans and animals can have diarrhea from this parasite.

What is Reverse Osmosis (RO)?                    

Water is treated via reverse osmosis, which involves passing the water through a semipermeable membrane to remove impurities. Due to its ability to get rid of contaminants like lead, fluoride, and chlorine, this method is frequently used to clean drinking water.

Reasons Why RO Water is a Better Drinking Water Option for Dogs

Although, there are several reasons that will prove pet owners to start using reverse osmosis water for their dogs. Some of the major reasons are as follows:

1.      Improved purity:

RO water goes through a special filtering process that eliminates all types of impurities and contaminants from it, making it as pure as possible. By providing the dog with pure and healthy water, pet owners can ensure their pets are living a healthy life.

2.      Good for the Digestive System:

Some dog breeds have special sensitive digestive systems and may be easily prone to gastrointestinal problems or even allergies as well. If they drink water containing contaminants such as chlorine, fluoride, etc., they are more likely to get affected badly.

However, RO water has solved this problem. Because it is free of all types of contaminants, bad minerals, and impurities. 

3.      Health Concerns:

Dogs suffering from certain health conditions, such as kidney problems and urinary issues, may benefit from drinking reverse osmosis water. Since RO special filtration process efficiently removes impurities and contaminants that can potentially exacerbate these health concerns.

And provide water that helps a dog maintain a proper balance of their urinary while also providing support to their overall health.

4.      Taste Preferences:

Just like humans, dogs also have taste preferences that vary from dog to dog. By providing them with Ro water, pet owners can make sure their dogs are enjoying the best quality drinking water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are any disadvantages to giving RO water to the dogs?

Apart from a number of benefits, RO water also has some drawbacks as well. One major drawback is that the RO filtration system not only removes toxic contaminants from the drinking water but it also removes essential minerals from the water.

Is RO Water Safe for Dogs?  

Water treated using reverse osmosis is excellent for dogs. It is free of radioactive materials, heavy metals, disinfection byproducts, and numerous other toxins that could harm your dog. The majority of veterinarians and animal scientists concur that RO water is secure and beneficial for dogs.

Final Words

In conclusion, when it comes to selecting the best type of drinking water for the dog, Reverse osmosis water is considered a more suitable option. This is because it is more healthy, safe, and tasty as compared to tap water. This article has covered everything dog owners need to know about both tap and reverse osmosis water.